Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson on the Commutation of Larry Hoover’s Federal Sentence

CHICAGO, IL — Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson (IL-01) released the following statement today regarding the commutation of Larry Hoover’s federal prison sentence:

 

“Larry Hoover has been confined behind bars for 50 long years. His journey began with a murder conviction in 1973, and since 1974, he has been an inmate at Dixon Correctional Center in Illinois. 

 

In 1997, he was sentenced to six life sentences, totaling more than 200 years—an extraordinarily harsh punishment imposed during a deeply flawed era of our justice system. But what is most heartbreaking is that for nearly 27 of these years—more than half of his time in prison—he has been kept in solitary confinement.

 

Within a concrete cell that measures just 7 feet by 12 feet—barely larger than a parking space—Mr. Hoover has spent 23 hours each day completely alone. No human touch, no meaningful social interaction. No access to sunlight or fresh air. For nearly three decades, his existence has been governed by silence and isolation, not hope. This is not just imprisonment; it is human suffering on an unimaginable scale.

 

The commutation of Mr. Hoover’s federal sentence corrects an excessive and inhumane punishment. But it is not a release. He remains in custody under a separate sentence from the State of Illinois. His continued incarceration is now in the hands of state authorities, and the next chapter in his case will be determined not by the federal government, but by our state.

 

At the same time, we must confront the broader moral question: what does justice look like after five decades behind bars? Mr. Hoover is now over 70 years old. After half a century in prison and decades of isolation, it is time for Illinois to consider whether continued imprisonment serves the public interest—or whether compassion is now the more just response.

 

I also want to speak directly to the families in Chicago whose lives were touched by the violence of past decades. Their pain is real and lasting, and our compassion must begin with them. A commutation cannot undo the past. But it can reflect a society that values proportionality, responsibility, and human dignity—even in the face of serious wrongdoing.

 

I urge Governor J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Prisoner Review Board to carefully review the cases of elderly incarcerated individuals—those who have served decades, demonstrated rehabilitation, and pose no threat to public safety. Justice should not be reduced to endless punishment. There must be room for mercy.

 

Mr. Hoover still has a debt to pay to the people of Illinois. But justice should be guided by more than retribution. It should also be guided by wisdom, hope, and the belief that people can change. After 50 years, that question deserves thoughtful and compassionate consideration.

 

It is time to free Larry Hoover and all those who have paid their debts to society. Only then can we move toward reconciliation and forge a more perfect union.

 

It's time to come home."